Yes it's cliche but true.
I crave romance and I can't do anything about it but replay my favourite movies over and over.
I don't think anyone should grow up watching Disney anymore.
(I may take that statement back later...but for now, it stands)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
In light of recent events
Sanjeev Sabhlok's blog, as I added above, has really been a plain good read for me bt I don't know if it will be to everyone else.
But for now, this is my blog and I suppose or I know rather I can say what I want here.
His recent blog and the link I've posted above is about the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia and about how the media has portrayed it. I find that I can see alot of truth in his words and I find it intriguing that he has written so honestly. Most importantly, he speaks of freedom and truth. And not of power alone.
Please read till the end, if u do start reading this.
http://sabhlok.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-justified-are-india-s-beliefs-about.html
There are some statements he's said that I truly agree with and I'm glad he's written bout them. However, I do feel its not limited to just Indians. Personally, Ive noticed them in quite a few Asian races on the whole and occassionally in others too. Not everyone is perfect at the end of the day and really there should be acknowledgement for this statement when writing public articles or when press release's are so blatantly slashed over headlines.
Anyway,here's some quotes from his blog:
"India is currently, in my view, one of the world's most racist countries. A fair skin not only gets you a better spouse (higher status husband, higher dowry from the wife, etc.) but a better job. Even in elections the fairer candidate generally receives higher votes; hence posters of candidates paint them almost pink no matter what their real complexion! Fair and Lovely creams do brisk business. But that is only the cosmetic element, no matter how deep rooted in the Indian psyche."
"The worst form of racism relates to the caste system which is in many ways based on historical differences in skin colour. Tens, if not hundreds, of people are brutally beaten/killed in inter-caste violence each year in UP and Bihar. Roughly half the population in India (if the rural people are included) deny merit a chance and give preference to someone based on caste in jobs. Tribal racism in the North East is rife. If you are a non-Khasi in Meghalaya your risk of physically being attacked by Khasi ruffians increases quite substantially, and so on across almost all parts of India. If you are a Bihari you can be beaten up in Assam, and vice versa (horrendous incidents of this nature have occurred not so long ago). And if you are a Bihari in Mumbai, then expect to be beaten up at whim (at least that is what they were threatened with not so long ago)."
"The Indian media is therefore completely wrong on this one, about calling Australia racist. In my experience, the most racist people I have met in Australia (and I've now been here for 9 1/2 years if you count my earlier stint of 1 year in '92-93) are many of the Indians who live here, not the old Australians. I have close friends among all so-called racial groups, but I have been badly shocked to find Indians speak to me in Hindi in front of their fellow workers about these 'Goras' in a derogative manner, or about 'Chinis', etc. Similarly, in USA I was shocked to find PhD students from India talk derogatively about 'Kallus' (American blacks). Indians who live abroad have this huge chip on their shoulder – racism."
"Most Indians who leave India are treated on merit and become successful and well-settled. That is why Indians are among the wealthiest single group in USA and Australia, among other places. On the other hand, in India they face caste and region discrimination their whole life. Or they must bribe their way to "success". So many have left that mess, happy to work in junior roles in the West where at least merit is recognised."
And this quote, is from his book "Breaking Free of Nehru":
“Let me give my own example. Had I migrated to India as an Australian citizen at age 41 (the age at which I came to Australia), I could never have entered government service at all for two reasons:
• no open recruitment is undertaken in India at that age; and
• non-citizens are not allowed to work in government in India anyway (in Australia, non-citizens are able to work in state government departments).
However, not only did I get a research job based on my technical statistical skills (nobody would consider me at the management level at that point!), but I was able to move into a management role after about three years."
"THE TASK OF OUR GENERATION: to demolish the concepts of race and caste
It is up to our generation to demolish these shameful concepts. I speak forthrightly thus not to condemn India or Indians generally but to set the facts straight and to ask what gives the Indian government the right to its arrogant belief that it can preach to Australia and others about racism. Express concerns about the safety of Indian students, sure! But to preach to Australia about racism. That's a total joke! Fix your own house first is what I'd recommend to India. Don't make a fool of yourself on the world stage given the huge amount of racism practiced in daily life in India today."
ID LIKE TO MAKE CLEAR THOUGH,that not everything he said should be accepted and nor do I personally accept them. There is alot more to comparing Australia and India- infact it simply cannot be done taking into consideration the great disparities. India isn't as developed or completely or even 80% educated as much as Australia is. To add to it,there are a few Australians themselves who would openly admit to their country being a bit racist. I do feel and agree with him that the whole situation should have an informed opinion, a balanced view and so articles like this or blogs as such should be made known.
But for now, this is my blog and I suppose or I know rather I can say what I want here.
His recent blog and the link I've posted above is about the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia and about how the media has portrayed it. I find that I can see alot of truth in his words and I find it intriguing that he has written so honestly. Most importantly, he speaks of freedom and truth. And not of power alone.
Please read till the end, if u do start reading this.
http://sabhlok.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-justified-are-india-s-beliefs-about.html
There are some statements he's said that I truly agree with and I'm glad he's written bout them. However, I do feel its not limited to just Indians. Personally, Ive noticed them in quite a few Asian races on the whole and occassionally in others too. Not everyone is perfect at the end of the day and really there should be acknowledgement for this statement when writing public articles or when press release's are so blatantly slashed over headlines.
Anyway,here's some quotes from his blog:
"India is currently, in my view, one of the world's most racist countries. A fair skin not only gets you a better spouse (higher status husband, higher dowry from the wife, etc.) but a better job. Even in elections the fairer candidate generally receives higher votes; hence posters of candidates paint them almost pink no matter what their real complexion! Fair and Lovely creams do brisk business. But that is only the cosmetic element, no matter how deep rooted in the Indian psyche."
"The worst form of racism relates to the caste system which is in many ways based on historical differences in skin colour. Tens, if not hundreds, of people are brutally beaten/killed in inter-caste violence each year in UP and Bihar. Roughly half the population in India (if the rural people are included) deny merit a chance and give preference to someone based on caste in jobs. Tribal racism in the North East is rife. If you are a non-Khasi in Meghalaya your risk of physically being attacked by Khasi ruffians increases quite substantially, and so on across almost all parts of India. If you are a Bihari you can be beaten up in Assam, and vice versa (horrendous incidents of this nature have occurred not so long ago). And if you are a Bihari in Mumbai, then expect to be beaten up at whim (at least that is what they were threatened with not so long ago)."
"The Indian media is therefore completely wrong on this one, about calling Australia racist. In my experience, the most racist people I have met in Australia (and I've now been here for 9 1/2 years if you count my earlier stint of 1 year in '92-93) are many of the Indians who live here, not the old Australians. I have close friends among all so-called racial groups, but I have been badly shocked to find Indians speak to me in Hindi in front of their fellow workers about these 'Goras' in a derogative manner, or about 'Chinis', etc. Similarly, in USA I was shocked to find PhD students from India talk derogatively about 'Kallus' (American blacks). Indians who live abroad have this huge chip on their shoulder – racism."
"Most Indians who leave India are treated on merit and become successful and well-settled. That is why Indians are among the wealthiest single group in USA and Australia, among other places. On the other hand, in India they face caste and region discrimination their whole life. Or they must bribe their way to "success". So many have left that mess, happy to work in junior roles in the West where at least merit is recognised."
And this quote, is from his book "Breaking Free of Nehru":
“Let me give my own example. Had I migrated to India as an Australian citizen at age 41 (the age at which I came to Australia), I could never have entered government service at all for two reasons:
• no open recruitment is undertaken in India at that age; and
• non-citizens are not allowed to work in government in India anyway (in Australia, non-citizens are able to work in state government departments).
However, not only did I get a research job based on my technical statistical skills (nobody would consider me at the management level at that point!), but I was able to move into a management role after about three years."
"THE TASK OF OUR GENERATION: to demolish the concepts of race and caste
It is up to our generation to demolish these shameful concepts. I speak forthrightly thus not to condemn India or Indians generally but to set the facts straight and to ask what gives the Indian government the right to its arrogant belief that it can preach to Australia and others about racism. Express concerns about the safety of Indian students, sure! But to preach to Australia about racism. That's a total joke! Fix your own house first is what I'd recommend to India. Don't make a fool of yourself on the world stage given the huge amount of racism practiced in daily life in India today."
ID LIKE TO MAKE CLEAR THOUGH,that not everything he said should be accepted and nor do I personally accept them. There is alot more to comparing Australia and India- infact it simply cannot be done taking into consideration the great disparities. India isn't as developed or completely or even 80% educated as much as Australia is. To add to it,there are a few Australians themselves who would openly admit to their country being a bit racist. I do feel and agree with him that the whole situation should have an informed opinion, a balanced view and so articles like this or blogs as such should be made known.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Time to read the magazines on that table top near your chair
Waiting is not easy, au contraire - it's quite frustrating.
what do you do while you wait...
for something to happen
to meet someone
for a returned call..
anticipation of all the possibilities goes through your head..
what next? you count to ten, you pace up and down.
How do you justify waiting.. ? time spent well or time lost..
Discernment is another battle. I'm having serious trouble discerning what is the
Right decision to take. What's right to me may not be right to someone else and what's
right to someone else may not be right to me.
I'm hoping this wait get's over soon and the result is hopeful and good ..
it's hard not knowing what's going to happen next.
what do you do while you wait...
for something to happen
to meet someone
for a returned call..
anticipation of all the possibilities goes through your head..
what next? you count to ten, you pace up and down.
How do you justify waiting.. ? time spent well or time lost..
Discernment is another battle. I'm having serious trouble discerning what is the
Right decision to take. What's right to me may not be right to someone else and what's
right to someone else may not be right to me.
I'm hoping this wait get's over soon and the result is hopeful and good ..
it's hard not knowing what's going to happen next.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Hoarder
so I've been doing some cleaning- spring cleaning if I can dare to call it, ever wonder
how you end up hoarding so much stuff? so many memories..?
It's tough trying to figure out how much to throw out and how much to keep? How much
to lugg around and how much to just junk.. sigh.
I've hoarded alot. It's unbelievable.. old books, old calenders .. don't ask. Old pics, old toys, old clothes, old movie tickets, concert tickets.. old bags.. pretty bags that I've liked over the years. Old shoes, old cardboard pieces of who knows what that I still say I may someday use.. haha
well starting this summer, most of its getting cleared out. Most.
and that's a promise.
only the good will remain. and entirely 'worth it.'
=)
how you end up hoarding so much stuff? so many memories..?
It's tough trying to figure out how much to throw out and how much to keep? How much
to lugg around and how much to just junk.. sigh.
I've hoarded alot. It's unbelievable.. old books, old calenders .. don't ask. Old pics, old toys, old clothes, old movie tickets, concert tickets.. old bags.. pretty bags that I've liked over the years. Old shoes, old cardboard pieces of who knows what that I still say I may someday use.. haha
well starting this summer, most of its getting cleared out. Most.
and that's a promise.
only the good will remain. and entirely 'worth it.'
=)
An odd but nice poem I remembered
You Being Born - by Brian Jones
I saw you born.
It was remarkable.
You shot out from between your mother's legs
like a rugby ball from a scrum
and the stocky Geordie midwife caught you neatly
and cried 'Whoops! She's come!'
You had a wrinkled jammy head
and spasmy legs like a portly frog's.
From your belly button a white root waved
that had fed you all the months you'd grown
and ripened in your mother's womb.
And let me tell you - I'm ashamed -
I forgot your mother completely - she had been
those things to me that one day you'll discover
in someone else, and think 'God, this is it!'
- My sweetheart, my warm dear, my red hot lover -
But for those moments, as the doctor
shoved cotton wool up your flat nose
and swabbed your eyes and cleaned your bum
I forgot completely all my life and love
and watched you like a pool of growing light
and whispered to myself 'She's come! She's come!'
Don't know why, but I've always been intrigued by the writings of this poet, this
father. I found his feelings very delightful to read. And I can really feel the gush
of warmth and love and joy he's feeling. Really liked this.
I saw you born.
It was remarkable.
You shot out from between your mother's legs
like a rugby ball from a scrum
and the stocky Geordie midwife caught you neatly
and cried 'Whoops! She's come!'
You had a wrinkled jammy head
and spasmy legs like a portly frog's.
From your belly button a white root waved
that had fed you all the months you'd grown
and ripened in your mother's womb.
And let me tell you - I'm ashamed -
I forgot your mother completely - she had been
those things to me that one day you'll discover
in someone else, and think 'God, this is it!'
- My sweetheart, my warm dear, my red hot lover -
But for those moments, as the doctor
shoved cotton wool up your flat nose
and swabbed your eyes and cleaned your bum
I forgot completely all my life and love
and watched you like a pool of growing light
and whispered to myself 'She's come! She's come!'
Don't know why, but I've always been intrigued by the writings of this poet, this
father. I found his feelings very delightful to read. And I can really feel the gush
of warmth and love and joy he's feeling. Really liked this.
Friday, May 1, 2009
*Growth and Change*
Speech by Thomas Friedman in the New York Times...
"When we were young kids growing up in America, we were
Told to eat our vegetables at dinner and not leave them.
Mothers said, think of the starving children in India
And finish the dinner."
And now I tell my children:
'Finish your homework. Think of the children in India
Who would make you starve, if you don't"
"When we were young kids growing up in America, we were
Told to eat our vegetables at dinner and not leave them.
Mothers said, think of the starving children in India
And finish the dinner."
And now I tell my children:
'Finish your homework. Think of the children in India
Who would make you starve, if you don't"
Sunday, January 11, 2009
My Excuse..
My Excuse..
cos sometimes, the world gets the better of me.. as it does everyone else every so once in a while..
Everyone is allowed to be a hypocrite once in a while. Not because they want to be, but just because no matter how hard you try you can't be the person you never wanted to be all the time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and for the entirety of your life without mistakes inevitably occurring.
cos sometimes, the world gets the better of me.. as it does everyone else every so once in a while..
Everyone is allowed to be a hypocrite once in a while. Not because they want to be, but just because no matter how hard you try you can't be the person you never wanted to be all the time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and for the entirety of your life without mistakes inevitably occurring.
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